Peruvanam Mahadeva Temple, Cherpu – The Temple

Peruvanam Mahadeva Temple, Cherpu – The Temple

The temple covers an area of about seven acres and enclosed by a compound wall on all sides. The temple is built in Kerala style of architecture and is facing towards east. There are two approaches to the inner courtyard (Chuttambalam), from the west and east sides and the main entrance is from the east. The temple consists of two sanctums namely Madathilappan shrine and other is Irattayappan (2 Lingas). The Madathilappan shrine is situated on the southern side.

It is a three storeyed structure. The shrine houses a Shiva Linga, Uma and Ganesha in its sanctum. This shrine is decorated with Kiratarjuna wooden brackets, murals of gods & goddesses of Hindu pantheon and stone sculptures of various forms of Lord Shiva around the adhistana. The structure of the sanctum is square-type which is very rare in Indian temples. The Irattayappan shrine houses twin Shiva Lingams on the same Avudaiyar Peeda. Thus, the Lord came to be called as Irattayappan.

There are Nandhis and the Balipeedam before both Shivalingas. The  shrine is raised on a circular base and is of ekatala vimana The shrine is decorated with wooden carvings of various forms of Shiva, Uma, Ganesha, Narasimha, celestial beings and Bhuta Ganas. There is a huge Shiva Linga at the back of a large hall. It is said that the Shiva Linga was worshipped by Sage Puru. There is a shrine for Mother Parvathi to the east of this Linga.

The temple complex is surrounded by a naalambalam housing the shrines of Raktesvari and Manikandan in the north, Ganapathy and Pooru Maharshi both facing east on the north-west and south-west portions of the main shrine. There is a separate shrine of Gosala Krishna on the northern side of the naalambalam. The temple also has a Koothambalam, an auditorium for the performing art called Koothu. Theertham associated with this temple is Thodukulam. It is situated behind the temple.